Community Development Director John Ajax brought a proposed transportation amendment of the City’s Comprehensive Plan to the Chelan Planning Commission on Wednesday, November 19.
A number of Chelan residents attended the Tuesday, November 19 Planning Commission meeting to hear about the proposed amendment that would bring road access from the Lower Chelan Butte area to Chelan.
The proposed amendment was submitted on October 31 by M2 Consulting, PLLC on behalf of the South Chelan Property Owners Group. The property owners represent 1,000 acres of land on the lower Butte south of US 97A.
A graphic description of the proposed corridor to bring traffic from the Butte to Chelan.
They are seeking a new arterial collector roadway (the South Chelan Access Corridor) from the Lower Butte to Hwy 97A at the Peterson Place/Woodin Avenue Intersection. This would open a lot of the property to development.
The proposal would provide multi-modal access to parcels within the City limits. At the 97A intersection of Peterson Place and Woodin Avenue, the proposal calls for a single lane roundabout.
Community Development Director John Ajax.
Ajax informed the commission that the proposal came in at the very beginning of the comprehensive plan update process. “It allows for members of the public to apply for an amendment,” Ajax said. The group paid the required $1,250 fee which the city has received.
“We have to evaluate this proposed amendment by December 31. At that time, the proposed amendment, if approved and recommended will be submitted to Chelan City Council by March 31.
Ajax said, “The public will have the opportunity to review and comment on this amendment request.”
The public was present at the meeting expecting some discourse and potential action, but Ajax was just there to inform the commission that they would be reviewing this amendment over the next month and a half. Ajax asked that the review the document as a land use issue.
This proposal will be evaluated within the city’s ongoing periodic comprehensive plan update (due 2026), as part of a broader analysis of the Transportation Element.
The South Chelan Property Owners Group is comprised of the following individuals ororganiations: Joey Dale – NCW Developers,LLC; Todd Davidson – Palisade Capital Holdings, LLC; John K. Morris; Jon D. Wadkins; Barbara J. Wadkins; Jeri K. Fifer; Robert W. Fifer; Mike Shelton – Golden Gate Ventures, LC; and Raja D. Venugopal.
Ryan PetersonGaylen WillettVicki HeimarkJoe Collins – ChairmanGary Meyers
Council granted 501 (c) 3 status: Mike Kirk, Manson Community Council chairman, told those in attendance at the council meeting on Tuesday, July 15, that they have been granted 501 (c) 3 status from the IRS.
Manson Community Council Chairman Mike Kirk
This status is an important juncture for the council who have struggled financially for years with no real ability to secure funding or its continuing operations to serve the Manson community.
With the 501 (c) 3 status the council can now pursue grant opportunities along with other sources of funding for its mission. “We are still in the process of filing with the North Central Washington Foundation,” said Kirk.
Transportation issue: The entire board attended a Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council meeting early in July with the sole purpose of proposing a roundabout at the intersection of Wapato Lake Road and Hwy. 150.
Kirk stated that WSDOT and the transportation council both agreed that the intersection was a good location for a roundabout, but that it doesn’t prioritize high enough traffic statewide for funding through WSDOT’s funding process. However, both WSDOT and the transportation council are working with the Colville Tribal Federal Corporation (CTFC) on its plans for development of a new casino/hotel adjacent to Hwy. 150.
CTFC continues to work on its design for the development including a traffic analysis. “They are trying to find the best solutions,” said Kirk who added that the council is hopeful that its request for a roundabout will eventually become a reality. “Jeff Wilkins believes we have the right approach.”
Both WSDOT and Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council encouraged the Manson Community Council to stay engaged. The council will also stay connected with the tribe as it continues to work towards its development.
Parking issues: Parking in Manson was also discussed. “We need to keep the communication open for more parking in Manson,” said Gerry Ustanik. Kirk mentioned the proposed LINK Park and Ride. Manson Parks is trying to purchase the land held jointly by the school district and parks department. “Manson Parks is short of money,” said Kirk. Chelan City Councilmember Bob Goedde stated that LINK has a lot of money.
Councilmember Gerry Ustanik
One Voice: Three groups make up the One Voice group; Manson Community Council, Manson Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Association.
A Manson resident spoke up and went on a rant regarding the lack of participation by the community in the council’s agendas. “The DOT said they aren’t going to do any work on 150,” she said. “I don’t see any feed back from people who live here.” She added that in the past, the council meetings used to be full of interested community members.
Kirk stated that the lack of participation by the community was partly his fault. She asked how to get the community out. Kirk said, “We have a very, very new council.” He asked for some patience as the council defines itself and moves to a more community oriented
The Council then discussed potential speakers they can invite. Councilwoman Rene Commons suggested that they ask Planning Commissioner Chris Willoughby to speak at a meeting. “What can be done to make this a better process,” she asked.
Councilmember Rene Commons
Other potential speakers include Chelan County Commissioner Brad Hawkins, a PUD representative, Ron Cridlebaugh, Chelan County Economic Services, and Chelan Councilman Bob Goedde suggested inviting Chelan Mayor Erin McCardle. Rene Commons said, “I’m comfortable with having two speakers at a meeting as long as they compliment each other.”
Brian Patterson updated the council on the efforts to conduct an incorporation study. He stated that funding has been turned down and that it will cost an estimated $100,000 to conduct. Now that the Council has 502 (c) 3 status, funding could become available from the State.
Kirk replied that the council was entirely voluntary and no money was available. “The council has come together,” said Kirk. “I’m very proud of it.” It was suggested that representatives be assigned different organizations to attend as liaisons instead of Kirk being the sole member responsible for attending meetings.
Future meeting: A transportation meeting has been tentatively scheduled for August 20 at the Manson Grange Hall.
Anytime you walk into Chelan’s council chambers and it is full of people, you know something is up. Tuesday night’s council meeting had a number of Lakeside residents on hand to speak during the “Citizen Comments” period. Their concerns, of course, was Lakeside Park overcrowding, parking, safety issues and a request for some resolution to the problems.
Lakeside Park and community has become an overcrowding issue with its residents.
Lakeside Park overcrowding and parking along other issues has reached a boiling point with Lakeside residents and they were at Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting in force.
Twelve residents signed up to voice their concerns over the lack of any enforcement at the park. “All day long people were desperately looking for parking. Cars all day long,” stated Tammy Haig. “There was a feeling of tension in the air. At one point, I thought something might explode.”
Tammy Haig
Haig asked if the city was going to create a baseline with the Lakeside Trail and street ends in hopes that it might disperse recreation. “It (July 4) was a very intense day.”
Stan Morse remarked that visitors were parking across the street from his house leaving no room for emergency vehicles to get by in case of fire. “My hillside is ripe for wildfire. We live in a one road in and one road out of town with 2,000 to 3,000 people.”
Stan Morse
Another resident, Janet, said she didn’t feel comfortable taking her granddaughter to the park. “Lakeside Park has been overcrowded since 2020,” she stated. “People start arriving at 5 a.m. Vehicles are going round and round all day long. I counted 107 vehicles per hour.”
She added that she is asking for the city to limit capacity at the park. “Visitors are also at risk.”
Another resident requested discourse immediately with the city to see what the resolution to the issues might be.
Barry De Paoli told the council that he has lived in Lakeside for 22 years. “We have a town of 4,700 versus 5,500 visiting Lakeside on a weekend. Imagine what it looks like, 2,500 to 3,500 people per day.” De Paoli said the issue is at a breaking point. He mentioned overuse of alcohol, poor signage, and zero enforcement. “Residents can no longer sit back and watch the problem.
Barry De Paoli
“We are asking to be included in the process going forward. A meeting in October with the Mayor and others. We need a healthy balance. I know we can achieve a positive outcome.
Other comments mirrored those above and several asked if requiring reservations to get into the park might be a solution. It was also stated that the city needs to pay for monitoring the situation and enforcing the parking.
Don Morse Park might provide some relief for Lakeside residents. It’s much larger and can handle more traffic, but is also busy during the summer months.
Our Valley Our Future update: Steve Maher was on hand at the city council meeting to give an update and summary of the outreach results from the Lake Chelan Vision Project.
He provided survey results and feedback gathered since June, 2023 during individual and group listening sessions.
“We had an excellent response,” said Maher. 550 responses were gathered between June and August which included eight listening sessions with 142 people participating and 10 or 11 interviews with stakeholders. “We struggled to get younger folks to participate,” said Maher.
Some results: Housing was the number one issue by far stated Maher. “Families have to move away because of housing. It’s the biggest challenge,”
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The rapid growth is one of the biggest challenges. There were calls to manage growth better. There is a desire to maintain the smalltown feel. The respondents remarked that the valley was going away from growing apples to growing grapes and housing.
Increasing traffic and traffic congestion was another issue along with Short Term Rentals adding to the traffic congestion.
The positive things is the new hospital and Wal Mart according to some.
Wildfire and smoke was another issue on the respondents minds.
Maher stated that the next step will be developing community values from what was gathered and would be delivered by the first week in October. “Things are going really, really well,” Maher said.
This information will serve as the foundation for the core values framework in the 2026 Comprehensive Plan update, which is currently in its early stages.
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City 2025 Legislative Agendas: East Chelan Reservoir Project: The city is seeking $7 million from the State t complete the design and construction of the East Chelan Reservoir Project.
Current funding sources include a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program initiated by the City. Another $9 million is making its way through the Senate in Washington D.C. after passing through Congress. These funds would come from the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) if approved by the Senate.
Regional Transportation Study – $$??: The city is seeking increased state funding to its regional transportation MPO, so the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council can conduct a transportation study to solve critical safety issues.
With over 650,000 tourists visiting the valley each year, the regional transportation system experiences localized failure. Chelan is the center of all transportation in the valley.
Funding would be used in partnership with the CDTC, Chelan County, the Colville Confederated Tribe, WSDOT and the community of Chelan to conduct a regional transportation plan to better evaluate interconnectedness in the Lake Chelan Valley.
Downtown Revitalization – $3 million: The city and the Historic Downtown Chelan Assn. is seeking $3 million to invest in construction of Phase 1 of the downtown revitalization project which will upgrade failing infrastructure, enhance the downtown business core and create welcoming public spaces.
Northshore Pathway – $2.8 million The Northshore trail would solve critical safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists along the lakeshore connecting Manson and Chelan.
Other top issues: Housing
Environmental sustainability
Planning and infrastructure
Fiscal sustainability.
Transportation Improvement Program Survey Findings: “What are we going to do about it,” asked Communications Director Chad Coltman. Traffic congestion was the big issue respondents felt the city needs to address. Seventy two percent of the respondents would like to see the Woodin Avenue Bridge returned to two way traffic in hopes that it would alleviate downtown congestion and open a secondary evacuation route.
Seventy two percent of Chelan’s residents who responded to a survey requested that the Woodin Avenue Bridge be returned to two-way traffic.
The other option was to reverse the direction on the bridge to move traffic out of town. My opinion: I would like to see the traffic on the bridge reversed for an actual traffic study done during the high season to ascertain if it would actually help relieve traffic congestion on Johnson Avenue and Sanders Street to the light.
Public Works Director Jake Youngren said, “Regarding the return to a two-way bridge we will invest some time and effort to what that (process) looks like.” Mayor McCardle replied that hard cost numbers need to be assessed.
Councilman Bob Goedde has been a proponent of making the bridge two-way and reiterated his desire to see it returned. Youngren replied that the city has to be careful.
Councilman Brad Chitty stated that it was a hot topic and suggested that taking the foot traffic off the bridge might be an option. “There are other options out there.
Mayor McCardle stated that the most respected traffic consultants in the nation have provided actual traffic data for May through August.
Residents responding to the survey and attending the transportation meeting also want to see better walking/biking paths on both the south shore (in the works for construction in 2025) and north shore to ensure pedestrian safety.
Other issues that the public would like to see include:
Dedicated Parking areas
Better walking and biking paths
Improving intersections
Enhancing public transportation options
Safer access to schools
Mayor McCardle stated that the city has the tools to move forward and have identified which projects to move forward with in the next two years.
HR/Communications: Chad Coltman remarked that offers are out on the three major job opportunities within the city and that he is excited about the pool of talent that wants to work with the city.
Chad Coltman
Mayor/Council comments: Jon Higgens warned the council and staff that when “You step on toes and go in a different direction, people will stop engaging.”
Terry Sanders said the city has a good start on the issues. “Huge thank you to the Lakeside residents. I’m looking forward to common sense solutions”
Mayor McCardle talked about the valley’s tourism impact study which addresses the many impacts tourism has on the community. She also remarked on how much work it takes to run the city. Mentioned the upcoming Transportation Benefit District that is on the ballot in November and raises the sales tax a mere .03% (or 30 cents on every $100 spent on taxable goods. She wants the community to know that the city council is responsible for spending taxpayer dollars.
The next council meeting is on October 8. The community is welcome to attend.
The City of Chelan is holding a public meeting Thursday evening beginning at 6 p.m. at Chelan High School’s Performing Arts Center. The city will be reviewing the findings from its Transportation Survey; discussing its six year transportation plan and allowing residents to “vote with their dollars” in a fun interactive exercise.
Mayor McCardle is asking residents to attend Thursday’s transportation meeting at Chelan High School beginning at 6 p.m.
“This is an important open house,” said Mayor Erin McCardle. “It will give the community a chance to tell us what to prioritize.”
Chelan has numerous traffic and transportation issues. The city is asking residents and stakeholders to attend Thursday, September 12 meeting to help decide what transportation projects need prioritization.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and share their input and priorities on the future of transportation in the community.
Citizens will be asked to vote on the November 2024 ballot on the newly formed Transportation Benefit District which is also asking for a .3% increase in sales tax (8.4% to 8.7%) to help fund the districts transportation projects.
The Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) will be presented to City Council for adoption in early 2025. Only projects identified on the STIP are eligible for grants or TBD funding.
This meeting will allow residents to present what their priorities are regarding Chelan’s transportation issues including roadways, public transportation, pedestrian pathways, and the Woodin Avenue Bridge.
Resident Input will be officially recorded and carefully considered in drafting the STIP. By participating, residents are helping to shape a transportation plan that reflects the needs, priorities and aspirations of the Lake Chelan community. We encourage all residents, business owners, and stakeholders to take part in this important meeting
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